Ultimate Guide to Overlanding in Colorado (Trails, Gear, Routes & Expert Tips)
Colorado is one of the best overlanding destinations in the United States. It offers everything: high alpine passes, remote forest roads, desert terrain, and endless dispersed camping. Whether you drive a Jeep Wrangler, Bronco, truck, or SUV, Colorado delivers unmatched adventure.
This guide will show you everything you need to know about overlanding in Colorado — including the best trails, gear, routes, camping tips, and how to get started.
What Is Overlanding?
Overlanding is vehicle-based adventure travel focused on exploration, self-reliance, and camping along the way.
It’s not about rock crawling. It’s about the journey.
Overlanding includes:
- Driving scenic backcountry routes
- Camping in remote locations
- Living out of your vehicle
- Exploring places most people never see
Colorado is perfect for overlanding because it has thousands of miles of public trails and land.
Why Colorado is One of the Best Overlanding States
Colorado offers unmatched terrain diversity.
You can experience:
- Alpine mountain passes above 12,000 feet
- Dense pine forests
- Remote desert landscapes
- Crystal-clear alpine lakes
- Historic mining roads
Best of all, much of it is free to explore.
Key benefits:
- Massive National Forest access
- Extensive BLM land
- Thousands of miles of off-road trails
- Endless dispersed camping opportunities
- Incredible mountain scenery
Best Overlanding Regions in Colorado
The San Juan Mountains are considered the best overlanding area in Colorado.
Famous trails include:
- Engineer Pass
- Cinnamon Pass
- Ophir Pass
- Imogene Pass
- Alpine Loop
These trails offer:
- Stunning mountain views
- Historic mining towns
- High alpine lakes
- Endless dispersed camping
Best vehicle types:
- Jeep Wrangler
- Ford Bronco
- Toyota Tacoma
- Any high-clearance 4×4
Buena Vista & Leadville Area (Beginner Friendly)
This area is perfect for beginners.
Why it’s great:
- Easy to moderate trails
- Tons of dispersed camping
- Beautiful mountain views
- Close to Denver
Top trails:
- Weston Pass
- Hagerman Pass
-
Fourmile Travel Management Area
Ouray & Silverton (Most Scenic)
This area is known as the “Switzerland of America.”
Expect:
- Extreme mountain views
- Water crossings
- High elevation passes
- Historic mining roads
This is bucket-list overlanding.
Rampart Range (Close to Denver)
Perfect for weekend trips.
Benefits:
- Close to Denver
- Hundreds of miles of trails
- Great dispersed camping
- Beginner-friendly options
